i think this is also a message by israel to iran indicating that israel is not willing to accept any deals. >> is that why israel has attacked? >> there is no knowledge of why exactly israel attacked last night rather than a week ago or a week later. i think the new government in the making wants to make clear that they will continue policies towards the region, and it is a clear message towards iran and also towards russia. >> what about the united nations' clear criticism of israel's settlement activity? >> israel will continue to ignore this decision. so will the united states. they will continue to back israeli policies in the occupied territories, but nevertheless, there is a certain change of attitudes to be observed in western countries. more and more criticism coming along with israeli settlement policies, and i think israelis feel the heat. you might even interpret this action we have just seen in syria and the rhetoric in israel about the perceived iranian threat as a means to really distract from this business in the west bank of building one settlement after the other. >>